Women and Jesus: Faith-Filled Encounters in the GospelsSample
The Woman who was Healed from the Issue of Blood
by Kate Walsh
In this life we will have many troubles. That’s a guarantee. But the human heart, designed by God to know His freedom, yearns for relief. The woman who was healed from an issue of blood spent 12 years seeking her healing from various sources. When she finally heard about Jesus, something thrilled in her heart: Maybe this is it. Maybe if I could just speak to Him … No, He wouldn’t want to talk to me … Maybe if … I could just touch His holy garments without Him seeing me do so. Maybe.
Quiet Desperation
It was this "maybe" that Jesus labeled as faith. This woman’s condition caused her deep shame. She could not face Jesus and instead crept up behind Him to touch His clothes. Her condition also caused her great desperation. She had sought answers to no avail. She was willing to put her trust in Jesus out of the depth of her need. That desperate courage was her faith.
Reflective Question
What physical action could you take today to demonstrate your submission of your desperate need to Jesus? Do you need to sing, kneel, reach out, confess? Remember, all she did was reach out and touch Jesus’ clothes. It’s not our actions that yield healing but the person we put our trust in. A little "maybe" could yield much fruit.
Prayer
Jesus, today I choose to reach out and submit my needs to you. I’ve tried everything else Lord. I know in you there is great power! In you there is my answer! Could I too, as your daughter, receive peace and healing? Not because of my faith or humility but because you are willing and able. Amen.
Scripture
About this Plan
What can we learn about the faith-filled encounters women had with Jesus, as recorded in the gospels? This devotional was written by five different female contributors to explore exactly that question. We at Cup of Faith, a collaborative faith blog for women, would like to thank the following contributors to this co-written devotional: Jess Hill, Kate Walsh, Angela Chiaberta, Coral Douglas, Cailyn Oesch.
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